Has your child been suffering from recurrent earaches? If so, your family is not alone. It is widely estimated that almost all children will experience at least one episode of ear pain before their third birthday and many of them will go on to have several more. Most pediatricians and general practitioners that are presented with a child who has an earache will prescribe an antibiotic known as amoxicillin to treat the infection and acetaminophen to address the accompanying fever. However, they don’t always work. Plus, some children are allergic to amoxicillin. In those cases, an increasing number of parents are turning towards chiropractic care in the hopes that it will resolve the problem and with good reason. There are primarily three different types of earaches that plaque America’s youth and studies have shown that chiropractic for children is effective at promoting healing in each instance. The three types are chronic otitis media with effusion, otitis media with effusion and acute otitis media. Each one involves fluid being trapped somewhere within the ear. The most common areas involved are the middle and inner ear. The middle ear is where the eardrum is located whereas the inner area is home to the auditory tube and semicircular ducts. In order for the child’s earache to completely resolve itself, that fluid has to drain out. That’s where a chiropractor’s skills become invaluable to parents. Over the years, chiropractors have found that by manipulating certain areas of the neck and cervical spine, they can help speed up the draining process. As the infected fluid drains from the child’s ear, the internal pressure decreases and the pathogens exit the body. Consequently, pain and swelling lessens too, thereby making the child feel more at ease. To learn more about the connection between a child’s musculoskeletal system and the ears, please contact a Noblesville local chiropractor and ask to setup an initial consultation. Image courtesy of Photostock/...

If you have never been to a Noblesville chiropractor you probably have no idea what to expect. Many do not visit unless they are suffering and cannot find relief. However, pain isn’t a requirement. Chiropractors treat unnoticed problems you may not even be aware of. For instance, that annoying minor headache you seem to have often, or that catch you get in your back from time to time don’t have to be a part of your routine. Chiropractic care promotes an overall healthy lifestyle. So if you think a visit is in your future we will go over what you can expect at your first appointment. When you first arrive you will be asked to fill out forms on your personal history and insurance. Chiropractic is most often covered by insurance at least for a specific number of visits in a given period of time. You will also be asked about daily activities, routines and any issues you are having. The physical exam will consist of routine checks like blood pressure and heart rate along with checking reflexes and doing various orthopedic and neurological tests. If you have a specific complaint of pain, diagnostic tests like an MRI or an X-ray may be needed. Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t feel awkward in. For example, you could be asked to show your range of motion by bending your knee while lying down on the table. Sometimes a chiropractor will have you wear a gown and be draped. At your first appointment you will probably receive an adjustment. During the adjustment there may be popping and cracking sounds as the chiropractor manipulates the spine with pressure. He or she will map out a plan of care for at home, and will determine the number of visits you require if it is for something more specific than just routine care. Other modes of treatment such as ice, massage, ultrasound or exercises and stretching may be included. A typical first time appointment lasts less than one hour. You will usually feel at least some relief with the first appointment, though some mild soreness or headaches may be experienced for a day or two. Image courtesy of stockimages /...